Tie Rod Ends

[thegray1]

Searched and couldn't find my answer. Went to replace tie rod ends this weekend. On my old ones, the bolt on the end of the outer rod rotates around and is free to move. On my new ones, the bolt is fixed, won't budge. This is what it looks like mounted.

The angle worries me. I can't possibly see how that's right. Safe to drive? The right side angle doesn't look as bad as this one. And yes I know it's filthy under there. Stormed on my way to my friends house to work on it and got really really muddy.

 

[KidVermicious]

Are you talking about the stud with the threaded end and the castle nut? You SHOULD have a hard time moving that by hand . If it flops around easy, it's worn out.

It's only at that angle when you're at full droop. Once you put the truck on the ground it will be at a much more neutral angle.

 

[541joseph]

Are you 100% sure it's fixed it should be really tight but not fix in place.

 

[thegray1]

Are you talking about the stud with the threaded end and the castle nut? You SHOULD have a hard time moving that by hand . If it flops around easy, it's worn out.

It's only at that angle when you're at full droop. Once you put the truck on the ground it will be at a much more neutral angle.

Yes that is exactly what I am talking about. My old ones were VERY worn out, which is why they moved around so easy. This makes me feel better. I will get the tires on and put it on the ground when I get home and check the angle then. I expect it to be fine then. Thanks for the help!

Are you 100% sure it's fixed it should be really tight but not fix in place.

I tried and could not move it by hand. Once I bolted it in place and moved the steering around some, the right side looked like it had moved some, so I am thinking it is functioning normally now.

 

[541joseph]

Ya Kid V got to it before just missed his post. Fallow What He says!